2. Discover Toronto’s most intimate venues through Artery

Back in the day, folks would often gather in someone’s home for an up-close-and-personal performance of theatre, music and more. Artery is bringing back that sense of intimacy and connection to art, artists and local communities by turning living rooms, backyards, rooftops and various other unique spots in the city into pop-up performance spaces. Check out a show, make new friends and experience Toronto as a local would.

3. Immerse yourself in local art at The Funhouse

Built inside a former Buddhist temple turned dance studio, this ultra-fun Funhouse enlisted more than 30 Toronto artists – including Jazz Cartier, Jeff Blackburn and Lights – to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences inside a 7,500-square-foot space. The result is a 1920s-inspired maze of kaleidoscopic rooms, retro corridors and secret nooks.
Artist Alana Kindree beside her mermaid creations in the Underwater Ballrooom |Photo by Ded Pixel

4. “Play” your part with Outside The March’s participatory Theatre

One of Canada’s leading immersive theatre companies, Outside The March performs unconventional theatre in unconventional spots that often involve audience participation. Previous experiences include performing in kindergarten classrooms, a parade with Queen Elizabeth in Toronto’s Greek neighbourhood, taking over churches and at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Its fall production of Annie Baker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “The Flick” showcases minimum-wage employees wasting away in a single-screen movie theatre that still projects in 35 mm. “The Flick” will begin its month-long run on October 6.

5. Experience Broadway at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre

The critically acclaimed hit Broadway musical “The Band’s Visit” is making its Canadian premiere this fall in Toronto from September 17 to October 20. Visit an unusual town that’s way off the beaten path, brought to life when a band of lost musicians arrive out of the blue. With 10 Tony Awards wins, including Best Musical, it’s one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history.
The company of The Band's Visit | Photo by Matthew Murphy

6. See Sandra Brewster’s “Blur” exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO is one of Toronto’s most architecturally admired structures, last renovated by famed architect Frank Gehry. One of the largest galleries in North America, its collection includes close to 95,000 works including Canadian visual artist Sandra Brewster’s “Blur” series currently on display.

If you’re looking for a party with an artsy backdrop, the ROM transforms into a multi-level dance party for ROM Friday Night Live, with live bands, DJs, food and drinks every Friday night from October 4 until November 29.

8. Go on a city-wide art crawl thanks to the Toronto Biennial of Art

For 10 weeks every two years the city is transformed by exhibitions, talks, and performances that reflect the local context while engaging with the world’s most pressing issues of our time. In an effort to make contemporary art available to everyone, the Biennial’s free, citywide programming aims to galvanize citizens, bridge communities, and contribute to global conversations from a variety of perspectives. Enjoy the 72 days of free art from September 21 to December 1, 2019.

9. Step beneath the highway to explore The Bentway’s myriad of offerings

The Bentway is a unique and innovative public space that transforms the 1.75 kilometres beneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway into a new gathering space. Check out activities and events year round: public markets, art exhibitions, festivals, theatre, free musical performances, communal dinners, yoga and tai-chi classes and more.

10. Experience an intimate (and secret) Sofar Sounds concert

Sofar Sounds is a global network of artists that puts on intimate, invite-only secret performances in unconventional venues around the city.

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About the Author

Toronto-based Journalist and wanderluster Charmaine Noronha has traversed the world of journalism like she has the globe, exploring varied roles and publications. She launched her career as a reporter with The Toronto Star, was the EIC of Vervegirl Magazine and worked for The Associated Press for more than a decade. Most recently, she was a Lifestyle editor at HuffPost Canada. She's also a travel writer with a penchant for adventure, culture and all things edible.

See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every doorthere's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.

See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every door there's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.